Dis Breast Cancer Survivors Part IV - GAGWTA

[snappy]

I did not make it to the top of the Empire State building since it was too cold and I was by myself anyway so it would not have been as memorable, but I did go inside the building. I met a very nice young man from Korea who asked me to take his picture with a very fancy tablet, and I liked this up on the wall:

 

[snappy]

DS24 and I hoofed it over to Grand Central Station before leaving for the Airport.


I love the building, the details, the roof. It is so classic and I am so grateful it was restored.

 

[snappy]

I was strongly discouraged from taking pictures of the exhibits at the Guggenheim, or as DH christened it, the Guggenheimer, but the building itself is a work of art.

 

[snappy]

But my heart belongs to the Met. . .

Especially the French Impressionists galleries on the second floor where I could have remained all day. So many Monets and Van Goghs

Had to tear myself away but this time I did make it to the new American pavilion. I was glad I made the effort.

 

[CherylDan]

Laurie, wow.....great pictures! Looks like you had an awesome time. The views from your room were incredible! You sound like quite the trip planner, keeping all the different comings and goings of your group in sync. So nice that you all were able to vacation together! I love all the grand old architecture - to say they just don't build them like that anymore is quite the understatement.

Smiley, can't wait to hear all about your trip! Yummmmm, we just loved Ralph Brennans last summer, can't wait to go back. It's hard to believe that we will be there in three weeks. Looking forward to seeing your pictures! Sure sounds like you have a lot going on - hope you have some "me" time soon.....or at least time enough to relax and daydream about your pool time!

LMP, how are you feeling today?

I got a new washer and dryer today.....holy cow, never had to read the instructions for a washing machine before! My favorite part is that the washer has this snazzy clear glass lid that just floats down to close. Oh, and the fact that there is no center agitator, just a huge open area. My old set, which did not match, had several settings on the dryer that did not work at all, and the wash machine's metal lid was all rusted. These new ones sure are pretty!

Sending out good thoughts to everyone in treatment or playing the waiting game.

GAGWTA!!

 

[disneydazed90]

I hope I don't intrude or offend anyone by posting here as I don't have breast cancer, but am looking for support.

I'm a longtime poster, but posting under a different username because I'm young, only 21, and this situation is embarassing for me.

For about 3.5 weeks I've had intense pain/itching of my left breast. It's extremely red/purplish, swollen, and hurts like crazy and also just looks funny.

I finally went to my GP today, who said she wasn't sure what was going on but thought it was an infection. I then got sent to my gyno (Thank God she had an opening today), who again told me she thought it was a serious infection, but wasn't sure. I had a u/s which showed what she thought was an abscess. They tried to drain it but no fluid came out of it.

They are treating it for now with 5 days of IV antibiotics but I really don't have any answers, other than they don't know.

 

[snappy]

Please don't give it a second thought as to intruding or offending anyone. I am glad you found our thread and that you decided to post.

I can understand your embarrassment, I think all of us can appreciate how personal it is when there is something wrong in the breast area. And with your youth, I am sure your discomfort is heightened. Again, good for you for posting here and asking for support.

The course of antibiotics is a good idea. Are you going to the doctor's office each day for the IV meds to be administered? Have you experienced heat and fever with the area? How big is the area?

I would say to follow up with this pronto after the course of meds. If the area does not significantly improve in that time, I would see the doctor again without delay and ask her if the area should seen by a breast specialist.

I hope you get some immediate relief from the pain and itching. I am sure the last 3-4 weeks have been pure hell.

There are several in our group here who have medical backgrounds. I bet you will receive some more input from one of these great ladies.

In the meantime, despite the discomfort of discussing your infection with others, I hope you reach out to your family and friends. I KNOW they would want to be there for you as well. It really helps to have someone with you during those IV sessions and for doctor visits.

Good luck and please post again and let us know how you do. We will be waiting to hear how you do, count on it.

 

[Feralpeg]

disneydazed90, I understand that it hard to speak to others concerning personal issues, but sometimes we have to share to realize that we are not alone with our issues. I'm sure the others on this thread will agree that support is one of our greatest weapons against medical issues. The amount of knowledge across the members of this thread is amazing. You are very welcome here!

I'll be thinking of you and hoping that the IV meds clear up the condition for you very soon. If you just need to talk, we are here for you!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

disneydazed - sorry you are having to deal with all of this at a younger age. I too had a lump when I was in my early 20's and didnt want to go to the dr. so I can relate. It turned out to be a fibroadenoma and I had to have surgery to remove it. Worse the scar tissue wrapped around the nerve so I have had problems ever since then too.

Its wonderful that you were able to see 2 doctors, have an ultrasound,needle biopsy and then the iv antibiotics in such a short amount of time. You have doctors who are really on top of things and I am sure they are worth their weight in gold to you. I go to a teaching hospital and I think my record is about 8 hours for stuff like that, not including travel time etc.

I hope the antibiotics are working for you and you are on the road to recovery asap. Hang in there!

Laurie - loved your pics. I smiled about the sculpture Is it a Remington? I bought the ds a book about him once and I think is one of the paintings a Wyeth?

smilie - Sounds like you had a wonderful vacation too and I cant wait to see your pics. I am sure it was a relaxing and refreshing time for you. Your projects are amazing too.

Peg - I am sure the prep stuff you have to do will not be fun. Wishing you all the best.

Cheryl - glad you like the new washer and dryer. I feel like I have my own personal laundromat with mine.

Linda - saw your dog post I guess you will find the right match. Glad you discovered this ahead of time though.

Pats Mom - thinking of you sista

Sha - long time no post Hope all is well

Well dh has finally talked about going to wdw in May. I was thinking of taking the ds for some of the time, but then I thought I must be nuts etc. I am thinking of a split stay with the GF and BC but with all the BC construction maybe the Poly is a better choice, but I dont like the Poly pool, way too small and bad seating etc Gotta do some quick research.

Remember the little girl I shared about with the brain tumor. She is going to Sloan Kettering in NYC for a consult today of course as one of the top cancer hospitals in the country I hope her moms listens to what they have to say. I am sure if I was in her shoes I would be beside myself. I think from her facebook posts she is saying she wants something natural, diet etc, than the chemo and radiation that hosp. 2 (mine) has recommended.

We are suppose to have 3 inches of snow tonight and 11 inches tomm. night. Oh joy! Hurry up spring!

GAGWTA. Blessings to you all always.

 

[Feralpeg]

Well, last night my hair started to fall out. Somehow, I hoped I'd be an exception to the rule. I know it's just hair and it will grow back. Somehow, this makes it all seem so real.

At the rate it is falling out, it will be gone in a couple of days. I hope when it come back in it is not some crazy texture or color! lol! I'm too old for an afro!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Well, last night my hair started to fall out. Somehow, I hoped I'd be an exception to the rule. I know it's just hair and it will grow back. Somehow, this makes it all seem so real.

At the rate it is falling out, it will be gone in a couple of days. I hope when it come back in it is not some crazy texture or color! lol! I'm too old for an afro!

 

[fortwildernessishome]

Well, last night my hair started to fall out. Somehow, I hoped I'd be an exception to the rule. I know it's just hair and it will grow back. Somehow, this makes it all seem so real.

At the rate it is falling out, it will be gone in a couple of days. I hope when it come back in it is not some crazy texture or color! lol! I'm too old for an afro!

I read your post and wanted to send some encouragement. I too hoped that I would be the exception to the rule and not lose my hair. I won't lie it was hard and just as hard were the people that didnt understand how hard it was. On one hand I was prepared to do ANYTHING to save my life, BUT that didnt take away from the fact that is truly was hard to lose my hair.

For me, I did better once it was gone. The falling out process was really hard (and gross, my hair was everywhere)

I purchased two wigs and never stepped out the door without them. They were very real looking and people that didnt know that I was going through chemo never even realized that I was wearing a wig. Last Spring, I went through the entire high school baseball season with most people not even knowing that I was bald. During the summer baseball season when I had a little hair, I ditched the wig and just wore a baseball cap. Most people were shocked, haivng not realized what I had been through and had been wearing a wig!!

Anyway, I wish there was something that I could say, except that I truly understand how hard it is both to have hair falling our everywhere and to not have hair. I would also say to try a wig. Mine were pretty expensive, but my insurance covered most of the cost. My wig made me feel more "normal" because I didnt look like a cancer patient.

Sending good thoughts your way

 

[disneydazed90]

Please don't give it a second thought as to intruding or offending anyone. I am glad you found our thread and that you decided to post.

I can understand your embarrassment, I think all of us can appreciate how personal it is when there is something wrong in the breast area. And with your youth, I am sure your discomfort is heightened. Again, good for you for posting here and asking for support.

The course of antibiotics is a good idea. Are you going to the doctor's office each day for the IV meds to be administered? Have you experienced heat and fever with the area? How big is the area?

I would say to follow up with this pronto after the course of meds. If the area does not significantly improve in that time, I would see the doctor again without delay and ask her if the area should seen by a breast specialist.

I hope you get some immediate relief from the pain and itching. I am sure the last 3-4 weeks have been pure hell.

There are several in our group here who have medical backgrounds. I bet you will receive some more input from one of these great ladies.

In the meantime, despite the discomfort of discussing your infection with others, I hope you reach out to your family and friends. I KNOW they would want to be there for you as well. It really helps to have someone with you during those IV sessions and for doctor visits.

Good luck and please post again and let us know how you do. We will be waiting to hear how you do, count on it.

Thanks for the welcome. No fever at all but it is warm to touch. The area is large, about 3/4 of the surface of my breast. It's scary but I'm trying to remain positive.

I'm getting the antibiotics done in the outpatient infusion center at the local hospital. 2 days down, three to go. At that point my gyno will reevaluate and determine what to do next. I haven't actually had a biopsy yet. They thought I had an abscess that needed to be drained but no fluid came out.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

disneydazed, I'm so glad to see you found your way over here. I was going to mention it on the other thread but I didn't want to freak you out. You are one tough cookie. Good for you. We're happy to wait with you. And of course, pray it's nothing too serious.

Peggy I still remember the day I lost my hair, too. I also had to put my dog to sleep for a double whammy. I agree it's one of the hardest things to go through in all this. I recently took care of a man who had lost most of his hair from chemo, and we had a long talk about it. It was hard on him, too, because he felt it made him look older and more haggard. Have you decided what you're going to do - wear a wig? Scarf? Wing it? I've noticed lots of women now are just going au naturale.

fortwildernessishome, I see you live the baseball life, too! I am so happy it's getting to be that time of year again! PS one game last summer we realized that the 4 of us moms sitting together had all had cancer, one twice!

lmp, a trip sounds good. We are so overdue. Yeah, I think I'll be staying away from the pounds for a while.

Laurie, loved your NYC pics and mini trip report.

Cheryl, we are dealing with buying a new fridge and it's been such a pia. We've been waiting several weeks for them to "find" the one we ordered. Apparently it's lost.

 

[disneydazed90]

disneydazed, I'm so glad to see you found your way over here. I was going to mention it on the other thread but I didn't want to freak you out. You are one tough cookie. Good for you. We're happy to wait with you. And of course, pray it's nothing too serious.

Thank you.

I still haven't told any of my friends/family yet, except my mom. I wish I could find something to help the pain! It hurts so bad. I've been told to alternate Tylenol and Ibuprofen and heat/ice and neither has really helped.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I'm glad you told your mom.

 

[snappy]

Me too. Please check in with us tomorrow and let us know if you are getting any relief.

Peg, sorry about the hair loss. You have the right attitude though.

LMP, think you will be going late in May? Celebrating a birthday in WDW again?

 

[smiley_face2]

I read your post and wanted to send some encouragement. I too hoped that I would be the exception to the rule and not lose my hair. I won't lie it was hard and just as hard were the people that didnt understand how hard it was. On one hand I was prepared to do ANYTHING to save my life, BUT that didnt take away from the fact that is truly was hard to lose my hair.

For me, I did better once it was gone. The falling out process was really hard (and gross, my hair was everywhere)

I purchased two wigs and never stepped out the door without them. They were very real looking and people that didnt know that I was going through chemo never even realized that I was wearing a wig. Last Spring, I went through the entire high school baseball season with most people not even knowing that I was bald. During the summer baseball season when I had a little hair, I ditched the wig and just wore a baseball cap. Most people were shocked, haivng not realized what I had been through and had been wearing a wig!!

Anyway, I wish there was something that I could say, except that I truly understand how hard it is both to have hair falling our everywhere and to not have hair. I would also say to try a wig. Mine were pretty expensive, but my insurance covered most of the cost. My wig made me feel more "normal" because I didnt look like a cancer patient.

Sending good thoughts your way

You summed it up so well!! I too hoped against hope, but about 12 days after my first chemo, it started coming out in handfulls so with family help I cut and shaved all the rest off. Also got a very good wig which was almost the same style and almost a perfect match color wise as my own, and also had so many people who had no idea what I was going through. So many people complimented me on my pretty new hair do! lol... I also went around most of last spring with a cap and by summer I had a nice short stylish do. Lemons and lemonaid and all that.... I am at an awful inbetween stage now, I want to grow it long again though so am suffering through, I resorted to bobby pins for my "bangs" yesterday.
Feralpeg, hang in there!
Disneydazed90 glad you came here for some support! I am so grateful to the lovely ladies I have "met" here

 

[CherylDan]

Peg, I also felt that way, about it being "real" when my hair started to come out. Like others, i also decided both times to cut it all off just as soon as that happened....it somehow gave me a feeling of being in control of at least a small part of what was happening. I just wore caps and hats and scarfs, wigs were just nt for me.

disneydazed, I hope the antibiotics start to help soon!

Linda, hopefully your new refrigerator will turn up soon! Just wanted to say that I saw your post about small dogs......of course I'm biased, but I love our two bichons! I'm sure the right match for your family is out there somewhere.

LMP, I hear you on that "hurry up Spring". We got just about 11 inches yesterday. I am soooooooo not a fan.

GAGWTA!!

 

[disneydazed90]

Well after a very sleepless night of tossing and turning, I called in sick to work which is something I haven't done in forever. I've worked the same place since I was 16 and am a shift leader/trainer so I NEVER call in. I feel awful about it but I'm a stomach sleeper and can't possibly sleep like that right now and was so uncomfortable last night! My roommate/apartment mate told me I was moaning and crying in my sleep last night. I told her what was going on and she asked to go with me to my infusion appt today.